Orlando Pirates' Tshepang Moremi celebrates a goal in the Soweto derby against Kaizer Chiefs.
Image: Backpagepix
All the noise and build-up were finally settled where it mattered most — on the pitch — and it was Orlando Pirates who did all the talking as they delivered a commanding performance against Kaizer Chiefs at the iconic FNB Stadium on Saturday.
Pirates responded like thunder after distant lightning, delivering a resounding 3–0 win over Chiefs — a warning shot fired straight into the heart of the title race.
This was not merely a victory etched onto the scoreboard; it was a reminder carved in bold strokes across the Soweto skyline. The gap between them and Chiefs was exposed in full view — measured not only by the scoreline, but by the difference in control and conviction.
Goals from Tshepang Moremi and Oswin Appollis in the first half, followed by a late second-half strike from substitute Evidence Makgopa, sealed a comprehensive triumph. The result temporarily restored Pirates to the summit of the league standings, with Mamelodi Sundowns set to play on Sunday.
Here are the biggest talking points from the game.
Chiefs’ line-up raised eyebrows before kick-off. Dillon Solomons was dropped, with Thabiso Monyane coming into the side, while questions lingered over Ethan Chislett’s role but he came in having shown a lot of promise midweek.
The most significant absentee, however, was goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, who recently underwent surgery and was unavailable for selection. Having conceded just eight league goals all season prior to this encounter, his absence was keenly felt as Chiefs struggled to cope with Pirates’ relentless attacking waves.
Pirates, meanwhile, kept faith in their core. Despite minor injury concerns and speculation surrounding certain players, coach Abdeslam Ouaddou trusted his regulars — and that faith was repaid in full. His selections proved spot on as his side executed their game plan with precision and intensity from the outset.
Chiefs battled to handle Pirates’ pace and movement while offering little in attack. The first half made it clear that the task facing Amakhosi would be monumental. In truth, had Pirates been even more ruthless, the scoreline could have been heavier before the interval.
High-stakes encounters often reveal a team’s championship credentials, and Pirates delivered a statement performance. In their previous two outings, they had shown flashes of promise but failed to fully capitalise.
Lessons from their clash against Sundowns and the shock defeat to Casric had raised serious questions about their consistency and title resolve.
This time, however, there was no hesitation. Moremi’s opener injected belief, Appollis’ strike compounded Chiefs’ misery and drained their confidence, and Makgopa added the finishing touch.
Chiefs have undoubtedly improved compared to previous campaigns, but this derby exposed the remaining deficiencies. Competing with both Pirates and Sundowns over the course of a demanding season requires more than grit and narrow victories.
It may simply be a case of a project still in development, but on this evidence, Amakhosi are not yet equipped to sustain a serious title charge. In fact, they may soon need to glance over their shoulders, with the chasing pack closing the gap.
In his first Soweto Derby at the helm, Ouaddou outmanoeuvred Chiefs’ coaching duo. While Amakhosi arrived armed with tactical lessons from Pirates’ recent setbacks, they found no answers on the day. The Buccaneers’ structure, pressing and transitions were superior throughout, highlighting the tactical clarity instilled by Ouaddou.
The result places immediate pressure on Sundowns. Pirates now hold a three-point advantage at the top, albeit potentially temporary depending on Sunday’s outcome. What is certain, however, is that the title race remains finely poised.
With momentum restored and belief rekindled, the Buccaneers have thrown down a powerful statement. The race for supremacy is far from over — and it promises to go right down to the wire.
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch